The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1887-06-30
WALKER vs.. .FRIPP.
Unexpected Result Of q Great
Libel Suit.

There is nothing in life easier than to edit
newspaper. A little knowledge of the
world, nice critical perception, a pen equal
TO any emergency-these are the only indis-
pensable qualifications. So at least, think
many people who dabble in literature; and
60 thought DR.. Julius Fripp, when, after
contributing for many years to one period
ical and another, he invested all his availa-
tle funds in the purchase of the Spectator
newspaper, and installed himself in the ed
ttor's chair.
Strange to say, the result did not alto
gether correspond with DR.. Fripp's expec-
tations. The Spectator had been originally
started as an organ of advanced thought,
but at the time DR.. Fripp appeared on the
scene il had all but speculated itself out of
existence. The Doctor (Fripp had picked up
degree early in life during a soIourn in
Germany, and always made point of wear
ing it) saw that the title of the paper was
Bs applicable to commerce as to philosophy,
and he accordingly started the SpecuLdtor
On new basis as financial journal and
guide for investors. He introduced into at
at the same time many novel and striking
journalistic ideas, which might have been
expected to make the fortune of any
newspaper. The public, however, took no
better to the new Spectator than TO the old
The advertisements kept the paper afioat
for time lit is an astonishing thing
how long advertisers will remain faithful
TO paper which nobody reads); but the
circulation fell lower and lower, until at
last DR.. Fripp perceived that, unless vital
ity could be restored somehow, his editorial
lays were numbered. In this extremity,
Inlv one hope suggested itself to him. and
that was fresh blood, coupled with fresh
hunds. Actuated by this idea, the doctor
;ne day made it known through the columns
Of the Times that an admirable opportunity
occurred for a gentleman with from $500
to $1,000 to assist in developing an old
established newspaper, certain to yield
lucrative return.
The answers were more numerous than
satisfactory. The writer's offered expert
ence, ability and even genius, some gratis,
some on highly eXorbitant terms; but
capital, somehow, held aloof. After going
through all his answers, the Doctor could
rnly see one which looked at all like busi-
eess, and that was a lsconic epistle which
.imply requested an interview for the pur-
iose of discussing details. There could,
st any rate, be no harm IN seeing this cor
respondent; so Fripp wrote and made the
fesired appointment.
The hour came and the man. To DIR.
iripp's surprise the card which was handed
n bore name which was quite familiar to
tim, though he had never yet met the
hwner Of IL. The name was that of Mr..
Silas 2. Walker, a citizen OF the United
states, and known to DR.. Fripp as the prin-
tipal, IL not the sole proprietor Of ''Watha,
tle Great Indian Remedy" This famous
medicine had lately been introduced to the
notice OF the British public by every means
known to the art OF the advertiser: and
she cSpecutdtOr, among other newspapers.
had assisted in making its virtues known
20 the world. To tell the truth, the Doctor
( ad been for some time past doing his best
30 get in an amount of some e70 odd due to
him for advertisements of the Great Indian
Remedy. This made him all the more sur-
prised TO see his visitor.
Il had better tell you at once. Mr..
Walker" he said, ''that uuless YOU are pre
pared to advance or find the amount nam4-i
N my advertisement, our interview will he
n waste of time"
Don't be in too much of q hurry. Mr.
Fripp," replied the American, cody. "Now.
suppose l was to tell you that have got an
idea WHICH
30, curse ;deasr' replied the editor.
with pardonaole lmpatlence, for ne felt that
he had much larger stock Of the article
On hand than he could find ary market for.
Il ask for cash, and every fool in London
offers me ideas.n
May be-" responded hr. Walker, with
no trace of annoyance. "BUt bet no FOOLS
been Offering you an idea like mine"
perhaps not. But, for the present.
please understand that consider myself
competent to conduct my own paper in my
OWN way.n
Anyhow" saIu Mr. Walker, blandly.
''yoH havegot into low water, reckon. and
want shove of. Now, have been look
sng into this paper of yours, and see YOU
have been trying a good many notions
But there is one thing guess you have not
tried, and that is libel action"
"And don't want top retorted the editor.
f.Even if l did, it would require capital,
and that haven't got"
Require capital Why, 1 tell you, sir, a
libel action Is capital. Just look here, Mr..
Fripp. can show you how to run a law
suit that'll be worth the thousand pounds
you are asking for. and more than that, and
won't cost you penny. But it's to be for
my benefit as MUCH as yours. Therefore,